Our Use of the Bible

Frank Higginbotham

 

There are many ways that people today use their Bibles. Some use them as a flower press while others find them a convenient place to put wedding write ups or obituaries. Some use a white Bible for a bride to carry down the aisle to be put away for a memento of a wedding. Is this really the way God wanted us to use His book? Is there really a more important use for this great book? The answer is found by looking to God’s instruction. Remember that this book is a message from God to man. We cannot know what God thinks about any matter separate from Him telling us what He thinks. "But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.  For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God" (1 Cor. 2:9-11). We know the mind of God by reading the Bible which is given by inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Paul reveals the proper use for the Bible as he writes to Timothy. "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works" (2 Tim. 3:16-17). God’s book is not just the work of man but is the inspired Word of God. Its proper use is to provide doctrine, reproof, correction and instruction in righteousness. In the Bible God has provided us with the complete instruction book regarding righteous living and preparation for going to Heaven. Surely, we would want to make this great book our daily companion as we travel from earth to Heaven. "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee" (Ps. 119:11).